Academics Spotlight

LMSD maintains one of the lowest class size averages in Pennsylvania. The student-to-professional staff ratio at the secondary level is 11:1 and average class size in the District is approximately 21 students.

Our Community

Lower Merion is a community characterized by a deep sense of civic pride and involvement -- and a passion for public education. In a recent survey, residents cited the community's convenient location and high-quality public schools as the two "best things about living in Lower Merion."

On Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, members of Cassia Mt. Horeb Masonic Lodge #273, the National Sojourners, and Maj. Gen. (USAF Ret.) Marvin Jay Barry and Christine Barry presented two official replica five-star flags and a plaque to Lower Merion High School to honor the military service of LMHS alumnus Gen. Henry H. "Hap" Arnold.

Gen. Arnold, who was born in Gladwyne and graduated from LMHS in 1903, is the only officer in the history of the U.S. military who held the rank of five-star general in two different military branches (U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force). He graduated from West Point in 1907 and is often referred to as the father of the modern U.S. Air Force. Gen. Arnold was a distinguished Freemason and National Sojourner.

In accepting the flags, LMHS principal Sean Hughes said, "As a veteran staff member, I've been here long enough to know the historical significance of General Arnold and his connection to our high school and community. Hard to believe, but when "Hap" attended LMHS – there were only seven faculty members, we only offered a two-year curriculum, we had fewer than 100 students and the high school was not on this site."

He added, "I have always been amazed by the fact that General Arnold actually flew with the Wright Brothers. I am to be part of this ceremony, to be part of this extraordinary school community and its rich history."

Subha Robinson, vice president of the Lower Merion Board of School Directors, also thanked the donors for the flags. "We have many alumni of whom we are very proud. And General Arnold is certainly among them. We are grateful for his exemplary service to our country in two branches of the military. That accomplishment makes him unique, but in some ways also similar to so many of our graduates, who have entered our doors to learn and gone forth to serve."

"An important tenet of our District strategic plan, 'All Forward,' is to encourage all of our students to find their passion and to give them the skills necessary to pursue that passion. Although General Arnold's time at Lower Merion preceded our plan, he embodied its vision. His passion and skill for aviation allowed him to reach great heights – both literally and figuratively."

"We hope these flags will remind our current students to reach for the skies in whatever endeavors they choose."

The flags will be flown outside the high school six times each year – Memorial Day, Flag Day, June 25 (Gen. Arnold's birthday), Independence Day, U.S. Air Force Day (Sept. 18) and Veterans Day. (Smaller replica flags will be displayed inside the school).

Gen. Arnold's original five-star flags are part of the Smithsonian Institution's collection.

To see photos of the dedication ceremony, click through the slide show below: